If you can’t wait any longer for spring, try forcing some branches of spring-blooming trees and shrubs. Cut 12- to 18-inch-long twigs and split the ends of the twigs for better water uptake. Put the split ends in warm water and keep the branches in a cool (60 to 65 degrees) place — warmer temperatures may cause the buds to fall off. Change the water every couple of days, and you should start to see signs of life in a few days. Good plants for forcing include forsythia, pussy willow and redbud.

This month

Keep an eye on shrubs and newly planted trees to make sure they’re not being damaged by hungry rabbits.

According to the Iowa State Extension, you still have a few weeks to prune oak trees. Try to finish pruning them by the end of February to minimize the chance of oak wilt infection.

February and March are good months to prune most other shade trees. Some, such as maples, birch and elm, may “bleed” lots of sap, but this won’t harm the trees.

Do a little planning while you still have time! Sketching new garden areas out on graph paper will help you make the best use of your space (and keep you from starting or buying more plants than you really have room to plant).

Stephanie Bruner is a freelance writer who has a degree in horticulture.